Salle de Lecture Bibliotheque Sainte-Genevieve is located in Paris. This library inherited the writings and collections of one of the largest and oldest abbeys in Paris and was founded in the sixth century. An interesting fact, the names of 810 scholars are inscribed on the exterior of the library. The second picture (click on it for a larger picture), highlights the inscriptions.

The Strahov Monastery Library is located in Prague and is part of a monastery built in 1143. A fresco adorns the ceiling painted in 1794 and the library contains ancient printing presses found downstairs.

This is the National Library of Finland located in Helsinki. It is the oldest and largest scholarly library in Finland.

This is the end! I will be happy to do more in the series if there’s a really large clamour for it! :)

Like this:

Here is Herzog August Bibliothek, located in Wolfenbüttel Germany and established in 1572. In 1666, it was one of the most famous baronial book collections and the collection of medieval manuscripts was one of the most important collections in Europe.

This next library is the El Escorial Library located in San Lorenzo de El Escorial, Spain built in 1584. It contains approximately 5000 manuscripts, many of which are illuminated. Look at that ceiling!

The next is the National Library of St Mark’s or Biblioteca Marciana, located in Venice Italy. Built between 1537-1588, it houses at least a million books and 13000 manuscripts (and includes original scores of operas by Cavalli and Scarlatti). Just for fun, if you click on the second picture, it will take you to a Youtube video of a couple dancing the tango in that very room.

Lastly, there is the National Library of France, or La Bibliothèque nationale de France, located in Paris. It originated as a part of the private Royal Library at The Louvre in 1368. It currently has 30 million items housed in its walls.

Part 3 wil be the final post on the European Library series. Thanks for reading it so far!